2018 Cub Cadet Snow Blower Review – What’s New – Which One Is Best For You?

2018 Cub Cadet Snow Blowers?

UpDate: September 2018 Cub Cadet has made a few important changes last year and it’s worth repeating. First and foremost they have changed the dash so that the light(s) now shine on either side of the discharge chute on the latest models. Second, almost all have a metal chute and power steering:

Is 3-Stage Better Than 2-Stage?

3-stage is not better than competing 2-stage snow blowers – it’s just different. Every U.S. manufacture tries to make the best snow blower for the price and or the best snow blower for certain buyers. Because of that, there have been many different designs over the years. Cub Cadet advertises the 3-stage to be better than a 2-stage but when you read the fine print the claim is against their own 2-stage snow blowers – not other brands. Cub Cadet offers 2-stage and 3-stage snow blowers. So, feel free to ask in the comments below if the Cub Cadet 3-stage or 2-stage is the best choice for you.

Consumer Reports rates 2-stage and 3-stage snow blowers separately. Just because they list 3-stage snow blowers at the top of the page that does not mean they are better – use the number ratings they post to get an accurate assessment of their viewpoint. One other item to note about CR reviews – Their ratings are based on the models they have tested – not all of the snow blowers on the market.

Is the 3X snow blower durable? Yes, When sized properly for the amount of snow you have to clear and the size of your property a Cub Cadet snow blower will last many years. All Cub Cadet snow blowers are designed to break shear pins instead of tearing up more expensive parts if it hits something that may damage the machine so make sure you have extra on hand. You may break a few until you get used to your machine and the obstructions you have. (The hard one to replace is the shear pin on the back auger flite. (The yellow propeller behind the gearbox.) Before you go out and clear snow the first time please figure out how that hole lines up with the front shear pin so you can easily replace that pin if you break it.

By The Way – All Opinions are Mine.

Keeping up with snow blowers is almost a full-time job and I take finding the best snow blower for you very seriously. The U.S. manufactures currently sell about 400 different models made here in the U.S. alone. In addition, there are always another dozen or so foreign manufactures trying to wedge their way into your pocketbook. By the way – a quality $500 two-stage snow blower no longer exists. The base regular price is now $699.

2018 Cub Cadet – How this review is laid out.

This is a very comprehensive article so it will take you a while to read through it. Because Cub Cadet offers many models so I will go through the units is by size.

21″ single stage

24″ two and three stage

26″ two and three stage

28″ two and three stage

30″ three stage

34″ three stage

Canadian Snow Blower Buyers:

Cub Cadet snow blowers in Canada are similar but not always exactly like the models offered in the U. S. You can see the models offered at Lowes.ca and HomeDepot.ca here:

2108 Cub Cadet 21″ single stage

Cub Cadet 1X 21″

31AS2M5E710_1X™ 21 – It’s lightweight and easy to move. Auger-propelled so the rubber auger touches the surface and cleans right down to the pavement. With a 123cc electric start engine, a 13” intake height and 9” paddles, the 1X 21″ clears up to 9” of snow all the way to the pavement. Blows snow 15-25 feet and features a clearing width of 21”.

This is a small, lightweight snow thrower good for hard, smooth surfaces like decks, patios, and short sidewalks. It makes a great compliment to your larger 2 or 3 stage snow blower for getting into areas you can’t get with the larger machine.

31AS2S5C710_1X™ 21 HP – If you average 20-30 inches of snow a year this is one of the standards for single stage snow throwers. Auger-propelled so the rubber auger touches the surface and cleans right down to the pavement. With a 179cc electric start engine, a 13” intake height and 9” paddles, the 1X 21″ HP clears up to 9” of snow all the way to the pavement. Blows snow 15-35 feet and features a clearing width of 21”.

This is a lightweight snow thrower good for hard, smooth surfaces like decks, patios, small paved driveways and sidewalks that don’t get snow thrown on them from the city snow plow.

31AM2T6D710_1X™ 21 LHP – If you’ve owned a single stage snow thrower and liked it but always felt you could use a little more power this is a good choice. It’s also one of the few snow singles stage snow throwers with a remote chute deflector and a headlight. Auger-propelled so the rubber auger touches the surface and cleans right down to the pavement. With a 208cc electric start engine, a 13” intake height and 9” paddles, the 1X 21″ LHP clears up to 9” of snow all the way to the pavement. Blows snow up to 35 feet and features a clearing width of 21”.

This is a deluxe single stage snow thrower with plenty of power for hard, smooth surfaces like decks, patios, small paved driveways and sidewalks that don’t get snow thrown on them from the city snow plow. It’s fast and very easy to use.

2108 Cub Cadet 24″ two and three stage

Cub Cadet 2X 24

2X-24. This 2-stage snow blower with power steering is one of the best values on the market. It is one of the most popular 24-inch snow blowers. It’s a great price at $799. It’s been around for a long time and it’s always my first choice for people who average up to 60 inches a year with a 2 car 60-foot driveway and want an easy to use snow blower. It works well for gravel, hard surface and turf. It’s balanced well and the handlebars are lower than most other snow blowers so it works very well for shorter people. In fact, if you are under 6 feet tall, can walk and use both hands you can use this machine. It comes with long-wearing poly skid shoes that won’t scratch your delicate pavers or leave brown rust stains on your concrete. It has all the features of the more expensive machines except hand warmers but they can be installed by your local Cub Cadet dealer.

3X-24. This is the same snow blower as the Troy-Bilt Vortex™ 2490 Snow Thrower but with the new metal chute, new chute controls, new dash with LED headlights, longer warranty and new quieter, easy to use engine – all for the same price. This is not one of my favorite snow blowers only for the fact that it tends to be a little “dirty” when cleaning 2-6 inches of snow. What that means is the front auger spins at the same speed as the impeller so it will throw snow out the front of the machine to one side when cleaning smaller amounts. The design of the 3X also always leaves a little snow when you clear into a corner. If you can live with those two small issues it is actually a pretty good machine. I have the Vortex version here and it’s fun to stick it into 12 inches of heavy snow and watch it throw the snow 40 feet. It looks like a fire hose when it’s in deeper snow.

This model is available at your local Cub Cadet Dealer

Cub Cadet 3X 24 HD

3X™ 24 HD. New High Capacity? I can’t find any difference between this snow blower and the 3X-24 except for the taller housing and front LED headlight – and no one at the Cub Cadet booth of GIE-EXPO could either. It does not have the larger 14-inch impeller the Pro series have.

This model is available at your local Cub Cadet Dealer

2108 Cub Cadet 26″ two and three stage

Cub Cadet 2X 26 HP

2X 26 HP. There is a lot to like about this new Cub Cadet and it is a great choice for people who average up to 60 inches a year and have about a 100-foot 2-car driveway. I really like the new chute controls and the dash with 2 headlights. One feature most people miss is it now has taller tires so it will have better traction and the handles will be just a little taller than the older models. Power steering, metal chute, long lasting skid shoes make this a great snow blower for the price.

3X 26. This snow blower has the new metal chute, new chute controls, new dash with LED headlights, and new quieter, easy to use engine – all for the same price. This is not one of my favorite snow blowers only for the fact that it tends to be a little “dirty” when cleaning 2-6 inches of snow. What that means is the front auger spins at the same speed as the impeller (very fast) so it will throw snow out the front of the machine to one side when cleaning smaller amounts. It’s not as bad as the 24 inch models but if you are type who wants everything perfect – look at a different 2-stage machine. The design of the 3X also always leaves a little snow when you clear into a corner. If you can live with those two small issues it is actually a good machine. I have the Vortex version here and it’s fun to stick it into 12 inches of heavy snow and watch it throw the snow 40 feet. It looks like a fire hose when it’s in deeper snow.

3X 26 HD. As far as I can tell, the only differences between this and the 3X 26 are the taller, 23 inch auger housing, a heavy duty scraper bar and the front LED light.

Dealer Only

Cub Cadet 3X™ 26 TRAC

3X 26 TRAC. This is the 3X 26 HD with tracks! If you get a lot of snow, have a steep driveway or need to clear a lot of “off-road” areas this is one of the least expensive tracked snow blowers on the market. It has plenty of power to handle all the snow you can shove into that 23-inch tall impeller housing. Do you have to clear snow in the middle of the night? This snow blower has plenty of light to see in front of and around the machine.

2108 Cub Cadet 28″ two and three stage

Cub Cadet 2X™ 28 HP

2X 28 HP. This will be one of the more popular snow blowers in the Cub Cadet line. It’s competitively priced and has all the creature features you could want including power steering, hand warmers, LED lights, 16X5 tires and easy to use chute and deflector controls. In my opinion, this is a great snow blower for 2-3 car driveways up to 150 feet long that get an average of 60-80 inches per year. The 277 engine has plenty of power for that type of snow clearing.

3X 28 HD. This version of the 3X 28 includes the taller, heavy-duty auger housing and the front LED headlight. If you have a lot of drifts to battle and/or you need to work in the dark a lot this is a good choice. It will work on all surfaces and the Cool Blue skids shoes are very long lasting and non-marring.

Dealer Only

2108 Cub Cadet 30″ two & three stage

Cub Cadet 3X™ 30 HD

Cub Cadet 2X 30 HD

2X 30 HD. Cub Cadet has updated and brought back the 30 inch 2-stage model. New steel chute, twin LED headlights, and an updated engine.

3X 30 HD. The 3X 30 HD utilizes the taller, heavy duty housing, new dash and front LED light but it still uses the 12-inch impeller/auger housing. So, it’s a heavy-duty snow blower like the Husqvarna ST 330P but not a high capacity snow blower like the Ariens Platinum 30 SHO. It’s just a reasonably priced, large areas snow blower and will work for most areas of the country that get 80-100 inches of snow a year.

3X 30 TRAC. The 3X 30 Track is a great choice if you have a steep driveway or need to do a lot of clearing of rougher, non-pavement areas. It utilizes the taller, heavy duty housing, new dash and front LED light but it still uses the 12-inch impeller/auger housing. It has power steering and easy to use chute controls. So, it’s a heavy-duty snow blower like the Husqvarna ST 330T but not a high capacity snow blower like the Ariens Professional 28 RapidTrak. I haven’t had the chance to test it compared to the Honda 28 and 32-inch track drives but I have a feeling at $1999 it will outperform the Honda’s in many areas besides the price. It’s a reasonably priced track drive snow blower and will work for most areas of the country that get 80-100 inches of snow a year.

3X 30 PRO. The 3X 30 Pro uses the larger 14-inch impeller for increased capacity. With the large impeller and engine, this snow blower should handle most snow without a whimper.

3X 30 PRO H. Same as the 3X 30 Pro but has a hydrostatic transmission!

2108 Cub Cadet 34″ three stage

Cub Cadet 3X 34 PRO

3X 34 PRO. This snow blower is very similar in features to the Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 34 I tested and wrote about last year. It will have more capacity than the Storm and also comes with the front headlight.

3X™ 34 PRO H. Same, but with a heavy duty hydro transmission.

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About The Author

About Paul Sikkema
Paul Sikkema has been writing about snow blowers, riding mowers and other lawn and garden equipment for over 10 years. Paul does most his writing out in his workshop where he feeds the wildlife and birds in the yard. His goal is to have a red squirrel eating out of his hand.
He spends as much time with his granddaughter as he can.

70 Comments

Ron Seymon

Hi Paul, thanks for all the great videos. I live in South East Washington state(Walla Walla) we get from 2-8. Inches every year. My driveway is 25×15,and a walkway of 30×5. I also do some of the neighbors driveways and walkways. Need to clear some grass pathways also 15-30 feet long. Looking for your suggestions. Thanks again for all your insight.

Ron

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March 5, 2019

Paul

Hi Ron, Because you are clearing grass you will need a 2-stage snow thrower. For your size driveway, a 24-26 inch machine is a good choice. I can recommend the Cub Cadet 2X 26 HP.

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March 10, 2019

ed gaynor

For what its worth , I purchased a 3 stage Cub Cadet in 2016 . I have about 5 hrs on it .I’m now going on my third belt . The thing is a POS ! Plows snow better than throwing snow.Very frustrated with this product . I will flush the $1300 down the drain and go find a different brand . I cant imagine anything could be worse ,especially when I see my neighbor with an electric snow shovel getting his driveway cleared while my shiny yellow lemon just sits there !

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March 4, 2019

Allen

Hi Paul, I wanted to ask you how you feel about the Ariens Deluxe 28 and the Deluce 28 SHO?

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February 18, 2019

Paul

Hi Allen, the Ariens Deluxe 28 is a great snow blower for most parts of the U.S. The Deluxe 28 SHO has more power and the SHO impeller will throw snow 50 feet. Check out my Youtube Channel and I show you how well they work. https://www.youtube.com/paulsikkema

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February 18, 2019

Tim

Hi Paul,

First, thanks so much for this invaluable resource!

I’m replacing a 20 year old Craftsman 30″ 11 HP snowblower that finally gave up the ghost earlier this year. Based on your input, I had decided on the Cub Cadet 26 2X model, ordered from the Big Orange Store. However, when the truck showed up, they delivered the 3X three stage model. Long story short, after some back and forth with the store, they said just keep it. In your opinion, should I do that, or insist that they bring out the 2X model? I’m a little leary because I’ve heard of issues with the center auger and general ability with lighter snow falls.

FWIW, I could care less about the “extras” on the 3X, like the heated hand warmers.

I’m in the Hudson Valley of NY (1/2 between NYC and Albany), and have a 150ft x 12ft blacktop driveway (with a steady incline).

Thanks again for any input

Tim

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January 16, 2019

Paul

Hi Tim, The good news is that snow blower is worth $300 more! If you decide to keep it there are three things you need to do.

1. Buy extra shear pins. I suggest buying two extra packs (usually sold in packs of four) Home Depot should have them in stock – otherwise, most lawn & garden shops will carry them.
2. Tilt the snow blower up on its handles and see where the shear pin is located in the back center auger flight. Notice that the hole also lines up with the front shear pin hole. That back pin is the one that breaks most often and it almost always pops out cleanly when it shears. To reduce the shear pin breakage – if the snow is very wet/heavy or frozen solid take 1/2 passes. Big chunks of ice from the city snow plow may shear that pin.
3. The snow blower will splatter snow to the right when you are trying to clear 2-4 inches of snow. If you keep that in mind when you are clearing your driveway – start in the middle of the drive and keep the uncleared area to your right – the mess is quite manageable. Deeper snows won’t splatter near as much.

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January 18, 2019

Nick

Hey Paul –

I recently purchased a Cub Cadet 2X 26” based on information from your site. What are your thoughts on anti-corrosive products such as Fluid Film? Do you recommend spraying any of the metal or hardware? Do you use this type of product on any of your summer or winter equipment?

Thanks
Nick

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December 10, 2018

Paul

Hi Nick, The snow blowers nowadays are powder coated – not painted. The stuff is baked on so it doesn’t oxidize or wear like regular paint. It also stays slippery over the years.

Because of that, I don’t use any sprays to make the snow slide better or anti-corrosive products like Fluid Film. The only thing I do is touch up areas where rocks and gravel have chipped the paint going through the snow blower. I use Rustoleum paint for that.

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December 11, 2018

Nick Cioffi

Great. Thanks for clarifying.

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December 13, 2018

Dave

Hi Paul…Costco has a great price $1399 Canadian for the MDT Pro 71.1 cm (28inch) 3 stage 420 cc blower. Less expensive than the Ariens Deluxe 24. Is this a good reliable option in your opinion? thanks. Dave

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November 26, 2018

Paul

Hi Dave, No, it is not a good or reliable as the Ariens. If you buy the Ariens and do the normal maintenance it will be the last snow blower you buy.

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November 26, 2018

Rich

Hi Paul
Thanks for all your info on snowblowers.It is fantastic to get info from someone who is passionate and insightful.

I have a question regarding the Cub Cadet 2x 26 with the 2 4 3…engine in terms of power. I am replacing an MTD..Yardman.10 hp Tecumseh Snowing…is this new Cub Cadet a drop down in power..I see they offer 2x 26 in a 300 ccs range. I appreciate your comments.

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November 25, 2018

Paul

Hi Rich, You are replacing a worn out 10 HP for a brand new “about 8 HP” engine. I’ll guess the Cub Cadet will have the same power as your old one. 300cc will be closer to 10 HP.

also found this impeller mod. https://youtu.be/EMAgb3QNEE8
Do you think the massive engine on the cub cadet with the impeller mod would over come some of the slush clogging issues the cub cadets have or would I be better off spending extra on the aliens deluxe.

Cheers

David

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November 24, 2018

Paul

Hi David, The real problem with that Cub Cadet is even with a huge engine – it still only has a 12-inch impeller and closed flight auger. The amount of snow it can handle is limited and restricted compared to the 14-inch impeller and open auger design of the Ariens. If the snow is wet enough to clog the discharge it will also clog the front auger on the Cub Cadet into one solid cylinder of snow. I’m also a little concerned that the large engine on the Cub Cadet is too big for the design and it will burn/break belts often.

In this case – I’d go with the Ariens.

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November 24, 2018

Don Firehock

Hi Paul, I live on Long Isand. I have a Craftsman 24″ 193cc 5.5hp, I don’t know the model #. It doesn’t really do the job. It bogs down a lot always jamming up in the chute. I was looking at the cub cadet 26 at the home depot. any thoughts

Don

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November 23, 2018

Paul

Hi Don, The 26 inch Cub Cadet is a good replacement. It has 2-3 horsepower more than your old machine. The extra power will help it a lot compared to your old one for throwing the snow and not getting clogged as easily.

If you would like a snow blower that has the extra power and will not clog – look at the Ariens Deluxe 24 also at The Home Depot

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November 23, 2018

Sam Choi

Hi Paul! Thanks for your response the other day. The buyer actually had to pass on me.

Can you recommend a model for me?

I live in a corner house in Minneapolis. We have a lot of sidewalk but a very small driveway. I also want to help my neighbors.

I’m looking for something that will last and my 5 yr. old son could one day use for a small business.

I’ve read so much on your site and feel paralyzed! When I read your reviews, I get the sense that your favorite is Ariens. However, you also give props to Cub Cadet. The new Cub Cadet’s were also recommended by another due to their large tires. I don’t know if that matters but one person seemed to think so due to the banks.

I know Minnesota doesn’t get as much as some other states but living on a corner, creates a unique dynamic.

Please help!

Thank you!

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November 13, 2018

Paul

Hi Sam, Ariens sells more snow blowers than any other brand. They last and last. I also like Toro (made right there in Minneapolis) If you have a small driveway and lots of sidewalks the first pick would be the Ariens Deluxe 24. If you wanted something a little wider (one pass on a sidewalk) then the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO (dealer only) is a great choice. Finally, the Toro Power Max 826 OXE is also a great choice.

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November 14, 2018

Adam

Hi Paul,

Great reviews for all brands here. Very informative for both the prospective buyer and for maintenance/general tips once you have bought.

Which ones would you recommend here? Is the hardened iron gearbox on Toro and Ariens worth to get over Cadet. Do these handle the heavy, wet snow that much better than Cadet?

Thanks,
Adam

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November 9, 2018

Paul

Hi Adam, I have a local Toro dealer who does a lot of out-of-warranty work on other brands. On Cub Cadet snow blowers the most requested repair is replacing a bad carb. The second is replacing the front gearbox. In the last 15 years, He has not replaced a gearbox on an Ariens Compact, Ariens Deluxe or a Toro Power Max snow blower.

The Ariens Deluxe 24 handles heavy/wet snow the best. The Toro Power Max 826 comes in a close second. Then the Ariens Compact and Toro 824.

The Cub Cadet is a good snow blower for an average 60 inches of snow a year but you will have times when it will plug on wet snow. If you have a snow that is constantly plugging the snow blower you can make allowances by getting out early in the morning before the Sun has a chance to soften the snow, take half-passes or wait until later in the evening when the temperature goes below freezing again. A couple of degrees in temperature can make a big difference in how the snow throws.

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November 13, 2018

Sam Choi

Hi Paul,
Thank you so so much for this great service of yours!

I live in Minneapolis and just became a first time homeowner with a house on the corner and I also want to help my neighbors. Needless to say, it’s gonna be a lot of work if I shovel so I want to get a reliable and efficient one. I’ve been reading a ton on your site and also some others.

I’ve come upon a used snow blower that is discontinued and I wanted to see if you had a moment to chime in.

Cub Cadet 930 SWE 10 HP 30 inch beast

It’s in great condition with a new carb and full tune up. It was the person’s elderly parents but it was too big for them.

Selling at $700 and I got them down to $650.

Thoughts? Thank you for your time, it means a lot!

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November 9, 2018

Paul

Hi Sam, The 930 SWE was one of the best snow blowers Cub Cadet made. You’ll like it.

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November 9, 2018

Peter Tipold

Hi Paul

Thanks for responding to my post so quickly. I will take a good look at the Ariens Deluxe 24”. It certainly has lots of excellent customer reviews online. Actually, a 24” machine will be a little easier to get out of my garage past my car and it will take up a little less storage space. Thanks for the advice.

Peter

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November 4, 2018

Peter Tipold

Hi Paul

Thanks for creating this website and providing a wealth of information. I have learned a lot and your website has certainly helped me. I live 2 hours north of Toronto near a small ski resort and we average about 100” of snow annually. Since my house is at the end of a bend, I also get a large amount of snow left at the end of my driveway from the snowplough. I need to replace a 20 year old 29” 10.5 HP Craftsman snow blower that I use for a paved 24’x70’ driveway. I find that the wet snow is really hard to throw.

I am comparing three snow blowers: 1) Ariens 2×28 254 cc Deluxe Snow Thro for $1,805 (CAD, tax incl.); 2) Cub Cadet 2×28 272 cc for $1,581 (CAD, tax incl.); 3) Cub Cadet 2×28 357 cc for $1,531 (CAD, tax incl.). The 357 cc Cub Cadet seems like an obvious better deal than the 272 cc Cub Cadet – more machine for less money due to a sale. The only issue is that the 272 cc snow blower is from a local independent dealer and the 357 cc machine is from a chain store 45 minutes outside of our town. I’m a little worried about the plastic chute on the Cub Cadet. I like the metal chute of the Ariens but I wonder about the power difference in cc between the Ariens and the 357 cc Cub Cadet. Also, I obviously like the price of the 357 Cub Cadet over the Ariens. Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks

Peter

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November 4, 2018

Paul

Hi Peter, The 272cc Cub Cadet will throw snow about the same as your old Craftsman. The Cub Cadet 357cc 28-in Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower (Lowes.ca link) will throw it better than your old Craftsman but not as well as the Ariens. The larger 14-inch impeller on the Ariens makes a big difference when handling heavy/wet snow.

The poly chute on the Cub Cadet’s will last. They don’t crack or wear out. Every once in a while I do hear of the black dash cracking but it’s so seldom I usually don’t mention it.

The Ariens Deluxe 28 will do the job. It will throw the snow well but it will bog down on deep drifts and you’l have to stop the forward movement and wait for it to catch up. But – I have two other Ariens snow blowers that may be a better choice.

1. The Ariens Deluxe 24 has a better power-to-width ratio than the Deluxe 28. (Same size engine but narrower) I’ll guess you can clear your driveway just as fast with the 24 as you can with the 28 because of that difference. It will throw most snow twice a far as your old Craftsman. Ariens Deluxe 24 (HomeDepot.ca link)

2. If you really want a 28 inch the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is a better choice. It has a larger engine and the SHO impeller. It throws most snow 50 feet! Even the wet snow I’ll bet it will throw that snow 2-3 times farther than the old Craftsman. Ariens 120V Deluxe 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower with 306cc Engine

Finally, I do like the Cub Cadet 2X snow blowers but for the amount and type of snow you get the Ariens is a better choice. If you take care of it the way you took care of your old Craftsman an Ariens will still be like new at 20 years.

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November 4, 2018

Steve

Hi Paul,
We should all aspire to be as helpful as you regarding the things each of us knows best. Thank you.
I’m in Mid Northern Maryland and we can get heavy fluff down to wet slush from one week to the next. I have about a 200′ shared drive that dead ends at my garage and usually help a neighbor with theirs. I’m ready to get the “New Cub Cadet 3x 30″ Pro” with the 420cc and 14″ augers. But some folks complain about issues with wetter or heavier snow that’s maybe less than 6″ deep. I understand why it would appear to work better in thicker fluffy snow, but want to be sure it would also be suitable for wet slush\snow too (within reason). Would I be better with something an Ariens 2 stage to be able to handle both the slush and thick stuff or am I on the right track with larger engine in the 3 stage cub cadet? I’m a fan of having spare parts available to fix things quickly but of course want to avoid unnessacary stoppage so I’m hoping to find the right middle ground.
Thanks for the help and suggestions.
-Steve

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October 17, 2018

Paul

Hi Steve, I’m not a big fan of the Cub Cadet 3X machines. I’d suggest an Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI or the Ariens Platinum 30 SHO. The Platinum 30 SHO will handle any snow you get, never plug and throw it way off the driveway. It also handles those 2-6 inchers a lot better than the Cub Cadet 3X machines.

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October 18, 2018

Ashley

We bought a Cub Cadet 3 x 30″ with the tank treds. We live in Minnesota. We’ve had some big wet snowfalls this year. This snow thrower keeps getting clogged-despite non-stick spray. My neighbors with single stroke Toros are done before me and their walkways/drive look better. I’m futzing around with this clunky POS. I hate it and can’t get ahold of Cub Cadet customer support (another reason not to buy with them.) Waste of $2,000. Cannot recommend at all.

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March 6, 2018

Paul

Hi Ashley, Cub Cadet snow blowers are very confusing and it’s hard to get the right one that works on the wet, heavy stuff. There are four basic models, The Pro, The HD/Trac, the 3X and the 2X. All of the models except the Pro use the 12-inch impeller and that seems to be the “problem” why they don’t handle the heavy-wet stuff well.

The Pro uses the larger 14-inch impeller and that one works well in the wet stuff. The Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30/34 and Craftsman Pro 30/34 also have the larger 14-inch impeller.

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March 6, 2018

john billings

I bought a Cub Cadet 3x 30″ snowblower based on Consumer Reprts recommendations. Huge mistake. Brand new machine (gee — only $1500) cannot clear snow unless its light powder no more than about 6″ tall. This is the second year it quickly blew an auger belt on initial use of the season. I spend 90% of my time unclogging and only 10% snowblowing. And it STILL blew a belt. I have to get it fixed AGAIN, and will sell it this time. I sure wish someone would have issued its severe limitations (dry powder only, clean every 30 seconds). What a waste.

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March 2, 2018

bob

Thanks so much for your awesome site!
I was wondering what your general opinion on Honda is and how they would compare to a similar ariens or husqavarna.

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February 1, 2018

Paul

“Honda HSS928ATD, Honda HSS724ATD, and Honda HSS1332ATD. Yes, the Honda 2-stage machines did not make the list and probably won’t. Yes, I know they have the Honda engine, everyone, raves about. But, they are just too expensive for no electric start, (a $200 option), underpowered, plug with wet snow and are using an antique track drive system (read slow). I’ve also read the impeller/housing clearance is too tight and although it throws snow well, gravel is tearing up the housing. Just so you know, the models Home Depot is carrying this year do not have electric start. You can actually buy the Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm XP™ 34 Snow Thrower. or Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO for half the price and have a higher capacity, more heavy-duty snow blower. If you need a tracked machine Ariens, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet and Husqvarna all have competitive models.”

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February 1, 2018

nick

Hi Paul. How reliable is the power steering? Thanks Nick

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January 11, 2018

Paul

Hi Nick, Extremely. That system has been around for a long time and just never gives anyone issues.

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January 11, 2018

Bill Johnson

Paul, great website, so much info. Would love your opinion. Live just north of Boston MA, My driveway inst huge 4 cars, we may expand it to fit 6, I also need to run over my lawn to have access to basement and sheds. I currently have an old Airens 7/24? without any fancy features. My biggest concerns are reliability not clogging,and pitch of chute??? I currently need to reach over and manually adjust it. Any features the new machine has will be a big improvement over what I have known. Also want a machine that handles plowed snow well, we dont have sidewalks but the plows never widen the road enough so we all make a pass or two in front of our property (mine is 150′), sometimes I’ll do a neighbors driveway as well. Would like a light and hand warmers, but those are less important than being able to move snow. I have heard that Airens in general need bearing replacements, not sure if that true, or maybe all machines require that.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Bill

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January 7, 2018

Paul

Hi Bill, 20 years ago we couldn’t use sealed bearings on snow blowers because the moisture would creep past the rubber seal into the bearing and ruin them. So, we primarily used greased bronze bushings. The problem was people would not grease them enough and they wore out quickly. Over the last 15 years though bearing technology has improved to the point where the seals won’t wear out on the sealed bearing and they can handle the radial loads a lot better. So, everyone including Ariens has changed to sealed bearing on the front end. I expect the bearings on an Ariens to easily last 15-20 years.

My first choice for you would be the Ariens Deluxe 24. It will have about 20% more power than your 7/24. It won’t plug on heavy, wet snow. It has a very good defector control up on the dash. It does not have hand warmers but an Ariens dealer will install them for about $75.

If you want more power the Ariens dealer also carries the Platinum 24 SHO. The larger engine won’t bog down in any type of snow. It has a 4-way chute/deflector control, heated handgrips and a special impeller that throws snow farther than any other 24-inch machine on the market.

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January 7, 2018

Bill

Thanks Paul, Are the Airens sold at Home Depot the same quality as at an Airens dealer?

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January 8, 2018

Paul

Hi Bill, The models sold at Home Depot are identical to the same model sold at the dealers. In addition, the dealers have more expensive models with more features available.

So a Deluxe 28 at Home Depot is the same as the Deluxe 28 at a dealer, but the dealer will also have a Deluxe 28 SHO with a high-performance impeller and larger engine. The Platinum models are only sold at the dealers.

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January 8, 2018

Monty

You state their isn’t really much difference between 26hd or the 26, and with other sizes.
The main and most important difference is the engine size. I was going to purchase a 28 3x HD, tomorrow and I’m now concerned about the pin breaking and it not clearing wet snow? They have a special on of $200. Off and an extra year of warranty. Is the 2017 different from the 2018?
Are this years models actually 2019, like cars?

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September 18, 2018

Paul

Hi Monty, Snow blowers do not use model years. If the model number is the same as the one you looked at last year then the snow blower is the same. They may manufacture the same model for one year, two years or even 5 or 6. You really don’t know when it was made.

If you buy it spend some time reading the manual and learn how to change the back shear pin. Practice by removing the pin, spinning the blade and then learn to locate the hole and reinsert it. (Hint the back hole lines up with the front blade’s hole.)

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September 18, 2018

Mark

I’m in the market for a new snowblower, and came across your informative site. Thank you for your work and passion. I understand the Cub Cadets 3 stage blowers are known for breaking shear-pins, so between that and them being a little messy, Im looking at the Arien 28 Deluxe Sho in that general price range, and maybe the Arien 24 deluxe too, just because its a bit cheaper. My question is, if I go for a slightly less expensive and less powerful blower, does the Cub Cadet 2 stage machines, either the 2X24 or the 2X26HP, have the same issue with shear-pins breaking a bit too easily? Im in the Saratoga Spring NY area, and my driveway is 70×20 feet. Thanks again.

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December 8, 2017

Paul

Hi Mark, no they don’t. It’s primarily the inside shear pin on the high-speed center auger flight of the 3X that breaks. And it’s a pain the to replace. Since the 2-stage snow blower doesn’t have that piece they don’t shear pins unless you hit something you are not supposed to.

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December 8, 2017

cliff Henrickson

the inner center auger -looks like a fan -breaks pins with out any thing ,shoot plugs ,seems too small ,belt squeals , my previous Cub never sheered a pin but did fail one of the little bearings that provide power steering , easy to repair if you can find the bearing – not sold by cub .

great on light weight snow , will cut thru foot high power –does not like wet snow

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March 13, 2018

Ben Weber

Hi Paul,

Your site has been very helpful to me to understand the choices that are available in the market.

I live in Plymouth, MI on a court and have a 2 car drive that is about 60 ft. long and about 80 ft of sidewalk. Our court is often last to be plowed and when done, the court is cleared to the outside, in front of the drive and mailbox. I frequently clear the heavy, plowed snow from in front of my drive and to the mailbox to ensure the mail is delivered (mail man not required to exit vehicle to deliver). I will also clear an area in the court to park extra cars when needed since the plow does not always do.

I had an Ariens ST 926 LE with a Tecumseh LH 318 SA Snow King for many years and never had any issue with it clearing this area. I recently gave it away and want to replace it with a unit with either power or auto steering.

I am considering three units that I can purchase for roughly the same price at local power equipment stores and would like your opinion on which would handle my situation best: Toro 826 OXE 37797, Ariens Deluxe 24, and an new, but older model (2015) Cub Cadet 3X28 HD.

Also interested in your thoughts on which would provide long life with least maintenance required and durability issues.

Is there another unit to consider?

Thank you,

Ben

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December 2, 2017

Paul

Hi, Ben, I like your choices. A couple of points that may help you decide.

The Deluxe 24 will handle wet, heavy snow the best. The 14 inch impeller/auger won’t clog and will throw the snow plow snow well. The Chute control is not as easy to use as the Toro but it’s not as difficult to use as the 4-way control on the Cub Cadet.

The Toro won’t be quite as fast or throw quite as far as the Ariens but it’s the easiest to use. The chute controls are the best. It will be a little slower cleaning the snow plow pile but it also won’t clog on the heavy, wet stuff. You would be quite happy with that snow blower.

The Cub Cadet has plenty of power to do the job. It has a habit of breaking the shear pin on the innermost auger flight when the snow is very heavy or frozen. If you buy it make sure you know how to change that shear pin before you use it. The 4-way chute control can be hard to use for some people and others don’t like that you have to adjust the tension out on the deflector for different types of snow. (that’s one of the main changes between that model and the new ones.) It also plugs the quickest of the three on the wet slop the snow plow truck may leave you.

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December 3, 2017

Ben

Thanks Paul, your points have narrowed my choice down.

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December 3, 2017

Randy

Paul,
Love your site-excellent from beginning to end!! Live outside Philadelphia and want something extremely reliable but must admit I enjoy some bells and whistles as well. Need to clear driveway of about 40 by 100 and walkway as well. Been oscillating between Cub Cadet 2x 26”, Husqvarna st224p and the Arians deluxe 24. My concern is the combination of the following: horsepower (told bigger is better) and not sure between power steering and auto steering, and not sure if the remote chute controls on top panel are better/worse than the crank remote chute controls (like Arians). Every time I think I have made a decision I end up second guessing myself!. All this while I had a toro for 20 years before it died and for some reason I have stayed away from them this time?? Please help me make a decision as I am driving myself crazy!! Am open to any of your wonderful suggestions!
many thanks!!
Randy

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November 27, 2017

Paul

Hi Randy, The chute control on the Ariens Deluxe is a little more awkward to use but will never break. I do like the control on the new 2017 Cub Cadet 2X 26.

You don’t get a lot of snow compared to other areas but the Ariens will handle wet, heavy snow the best, then the Cub Cadet and finally the Husqvarna. More power is nice, but all three machines have the right sized engines to do the work you want it to.

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November 28, 2017

Paul

Hi leoadvocate, Back when that old Toro was introduced a lot of the manufacturers were still using closed flight or drum augers to gather the snow and shove it into the impeller. The problem with those designs was when you tried to push too much snow into the machine the front of the snow blower would ride up. If you designed the snow blower so the front had enough weight to stay down then it was a bear to turn. That axle shifting model was Toro’s answer to that issue. It really did work great if you had a long, straight driveway but the rest of the time it was a mechanical nightmare. I actually had a dealer try to sell me one of those old Toro’s this summer. He went on and on how great that snow blower was.

The Troy-Bilt 3090 XP is a good snow blower but it still has that problem with the front riding up. It’s too wide for the capacity of the auger and impeller. It works fine until you try to clear more than 10 inches or so at a time.

There is an old adage in drag racing. “Be careful what you change. If you beef one part up something else will break that’s probably much more expensive to repair.” I see that happening in snow blowers all the time. They make one improvement and it messes up something else.

But even more so I see a few companies trying to consolidate their parts inventory and it gets them in trouble. For example, there is one brand that uses the same auger belt for a 24inch, a 27 inch and a 30-inch snow blower. It works great on the 24 and 27-inch machines but it constantly breaks on the 30 inch – so much that I have to give that snow blower a “don’t buy” rating. That said,

Ariens has made a few incremental changes that have taken it from a line of good snow blowers with a great reputation to the line of great snow blowers with an excellent reputation. The SHO impeller, Auto-Turn and moving the axle on the Deluxe/Platinum are the biggest changes. Other smaller changes like the square tube handles on the Pro have also made a huge difference. The new RapidTrak will be a game-changer. Yes, they can make a few changes like adding Auto-turn to the Compact line, pulling the chute control to the rear of the dash on the Deluxe and adding LED lighting to the front of the machines could make them even more practical for many more customers. (You should see the Kraken prototype 🙂

Toro has the Power Max HD series is at a point where changing it may put them back a generation in reliability. That snow blower has been around for quite a while now but it just works and almost never breaks. They are working on the little things in the Power Max series with the auto-turn and larger traction tires. Again though, it works and is proven to be extremely reliable.

Cub Cadet is back on track.

I’d be interested in hearing what other brands you feel have improved.

Hi Paul:
Thank you for your prompt reply. The only other brand I have personally tested is the new Ariens with auto-turn. On my old 30″ ariens it was a beast to make turns which usually ending up in a severe backache for several days. In my younger days lifting 200+ lbs. of metal on the wheels to make a tight turn wasn’t too much of a problem . Not anymore. I’m sure that Ariens owners will welcome the change but it wasn’t enough for me to buy one. It’s a step in the right direction but in my opinion it is flawed reducing its effectiveness.
As you have pointed out it takes a bit of learning curve to keep the blower in a straight position. It has a tendency to jiggle or veer left or right on the lateral axis unless you concentrate real hard on steering which can be enervating.
Bearing in mind that most of the time you are going in a straight line to clean a driveway and you want full thrust power on both wheels without veering or minimal veering. You really only need easy control on tight turns at the beginning and end of the driveway .
Also, the tendency to veer or get jittery is accelerated when you take less than a full width cut which you may normally do with deep or heavy snow. I personally prefer the trigger controls.
Thanks again for your reply. Keep up the good work.

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November 19, 2017

Paul

Hi leoadvocate, Yes, personal preference has a lot to do with what you should buy. If you tried an Ariens before last year, try one again. The 2016 models were changed and the Auto-Turn doesn’t jerk you around like it did on the 2015 and older 30-inch models.

Hi Paul;
You are providing a great public service with your knowledge and expertise on snow blowers.
All too often the only source of info is a salesman who either knows very little about his product or whose tactic is to slam his competitors or misleading advertising.
For what it’s worth ,I have been a diehard Ariens user for over 50 years and while I firmly believe that they make a good product they have been remiss in their R&D when you consider that they have been at this kind of work for a long time and improvements have been rather slow and skimpy. I’ve owned and used Ariens Snowblowers from 4hp to 11 hp and all them left something to be desired. Either poor chute design or control, poor traction, poor handling etc. Being a retired mechanical engineer, I feel that a lot more could have been done in the way of improvements if that were the objective instead of piecemeal insignificant changes more cosmetic than in engineering function.
I am no longer an avid fan of Ariens even though they still enjoy a good reputation. I think there are several other equally good or better snow blowers in the market and I commend you for your broader perspective. For me the test of a good snow blower is its performance with heavy wet snow and packed plow snow piles inasmuch as almost all of them do well with light puffy dry snow content.
Toro is in the same boat. Do you remember the fiasco with their axle shifting model a few years ago. Terrible engineering concept. Makes you wonder about the competence of their R&D people.

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November 17, 2017

Robert

Hi Paul, I have spent more time than I care to admit of late researching snow blowers. Your site has been the best source of straightforward information and knowledge I have found. I live in Green Bay, WI and have a 25′ by 90′ driveway with an additional apron for a third garage stall. The paved driveway tapers gradually toward the road. There is no sidewalk in my neighborhood.

I was all but ready to pull the trigger on a Airens Deluxe 24 until I went to my local dealer. He had nothing bad to say about the Airens, but offered that the Cub Cadets were a better bang for the buck and in his opinion easier to maneuver. He pointed out what he felt were advantages of the trigger driven steering over the Airens auto-turn, most notably that you can disengage the drive to both wheels and free-wheel the machine in reverse without having to shift into reverse since the reverse gears are very slow.

I’m less concerned about the price than I am about performance and reliability. Ease of use is also a deciding factor as occasionally my wife may need to use the blower when I travel for work. I would appreciate your advice on the best fit for me.

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November 9, 2017

Paul

Hi Robert, For your size driveway I usually suggest a 28-inch machine. You’ll get done faster. Only get a 24 if you have problems with storage space.

I’m not faulting the dealer but the Cub Cadet 2X machines and the Ariens Deluxe are designed for two very different users. The Deluxe is designed for someone wants a machine that doesn’t plug and doesn’t care that much about heated hand warmers, 4-ways chutes controls, LED lamps, etc. They just want something that will work for all types of snow and last a very long time. The Cub Cadet is aimed more at the person who wants all the creature features.

Yes, the 2X 24 is a great value. You get a decent engine, 4-way chute, hand warmers and light for about $699. The Ariens Deluxe 24 gives you a larger engine, thicker metal, bulletproof gearbox, larger tires and a 2 inch larger – 14 inch impeller and auger. The Ariens won’t plug on heavy, wet snow like the Cub Cadet does. Typically, the Ariens will throw snow 10-20 feet farther than the 2X Cub Cadet.

Steering. With trigger power steering the unit like on the Cub Cadet goes in a straight line until you pull a trigger to turn. It’s great if you have a long, long driveway to clear, not so great if you have a lot of maneuvering to do. And yes, the reverse on the Cub Cadar can be infuriatingly slow.

The automatic steering on the Ariens is intuitive. In other words, you don’t have to remember to pull a trigger or do anything. It’s just like the locking differential on your car. It just works and you don’t even realize it’s there.

I guess he’s never actually used the Ariens. When it’s running and you disengage the clutch handle the friction wheel inside the transmission releases and it freewheels just like the Cub Cadet. To show him just push the Deluxe around the sales floor. It rolls freely with your hand off the clutch lever.

Your wife will like the Ariens because it doesn’t have triggers. It drives a lot more like a walk-behind self-propelled lawn mower than the other type snow blower with trigger steer.

Best performance – The Ariens
Best reliability – Ariens
Easiest to use for your wife – Ariens.
Cheapest price for the features – Cub Cadet

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November 9, 2017

Robert

Thank you so much for your prompt and detailed response!

Plugging with wet heavy snow (which we get a fair amount of here) was definitely a concern of mine so I can say that I have ruled out the Cub Cadet. Are there any recommendations you would have for me that might be a better choice than the Airens Deluxe? BTW I overstated the size of my driveway in my original post. When I actually measured it (rather than paced it) it’s actually 20′ x 70′ plus the adjacent 10′ x 30′ third stall apron.

I have also considered the following…how would you stack them against the Airens Deluxe for me:

Toro Power Max 826 OXE (seems less heavy duty than the Airens including smaller auger, impeller, etc. but it tops your “best of” list so I know there must be a reason)

Toro Power Max HD 826 OXE

Husqvarna ST324P (I like the idea of hydrostatic drive if it doesn’t mean sacrificing reliability or performance in other ways)

I also like the idea of the Airens EFI engine for simple reliable starts, but it’s a pretty big jump to the Deluxe 30 or Platinum 24 SHO to get one. Is it way overkill or is it money well spent?

Ultimately I want a high quality, trouble free machine that with a little maintenance I can rely on for many years.

Thanks again,
Robert

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November 11, 2017

Paul

HI Robert, I was considering suggesting the 2017 Power Max® 826 OXE (37797). It has the larger tires which you will like. Toro’s flow through the snnow blower is different than the other brands. Even though it uses a smaller impeller and auger the Anti-Clog system keeps it throwing snow and it does not plug.

The Toro Power Max HD 826 OXE is kind of an oddball, it has more capacity than the Power Max but not near what the 928 HD has. It’s in my opinion overpriced. My info says it’s disappearing from the line so you may get a deal from a dealer who has one.

The ST324P is also over-priced. It’s $500 more than the Ariens Deluxe 24 and the only thing extra you get is the hydro transmission. Yes, it does have that hydro but the controls are a little awkward and you really don’t get any advantage over the bulletproof tranny in the Ariens or Toro snow blowers.

Is EFI worth it? YES! Do you want to spend $1800 on a 24-inch snow blower? Maybe.

Huh?

When you compare it to the competition, the only competitor it has is the Honda HSS724AWD @ $2379. And it’s a lot better snow blower than the Honda.

1. It has over-the-top power. There is no other 24-inch snow blower that comes close.
2. It has the most capacity of any 24-inch snow blower – almost double of what the Honda lists. 73 tons per hour compared to 45 tons per hours of the Honda.
3. It has a fast joystick chute control – fast like the Toro. The Electric chute on the Honda is slow……
4. It has lots of traction to push through older snow thrown on the sidewalks from the snow plows.
5. It will handle wet, sloppy snow better than most – a lot better than the Honda.

There will be a lot of Honda lovers who will argue with me but the AX 369cc Gen 3 engine by Ariens is just as reliable as the 198cc Honda GX OHV engine 24-inch snow blower. The AX 369cc EFI/E-GOV by Ariens adds instant load response and the ability to handle any type of E15 or less fuel. You won’t have any issues with bad or old fuel using the EFI engine. It automatically adjusts for atmosphere, temperature, and humidity just like the EFI in your car.

If you just can’t get yourself to spend that much money the Platinum 24 SHO with the AX 369cc Gen 3 engine by Ariens is a great choice also. Either way, you will get a high quality, high capacity, reliable machine.

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November 11, 2017

Justin Terry

Downingtown, PA
Driveway is 100 ft long and narrow but widens to 40 ft at the top. I also have sidewalk and some yard to clear. In all likelihood, I will be doing my neighbor’s driveways too that are slightly smaller. I’d like a heavy duty machine that will last me a long time but don’t want to get something that is overkill. I’m torn between the Ariens Deluxe (28 or 28 SHO) or the Cub Cadet 2x 28HP. Probably more than I need considering the annual snow fall, but I am factoring in the larger area (neighbor’s driveways).

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November 7, 2017

Paul

Hi Justin, More power, better throwing is always a lot more fun! I like the Deluxe 28 SHO a lot but I also like the new dash and controls on the Cub Cadet 2X 28 HP.

The Deluxe 28 SHO has a high-performance impeller and a larger engine than the Deluxe 28

The Cub Cadet 2X 28 HP has a bigger engine than the 2X 28.

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November 9, 2017

Scott

Paul-

I have read with enjoyment all your articles on Snow Blowers. It is nice to have someone like yourself out there getting vast amounts of information as well as extensive testing on so many units.

I have also read with interest all the reader emails to determine which snow blower is best for them. I have tried to use these emails to find someone who’s situation is similar to mine to get a recommendation that way, but nobody’s situation is quite like mine.

We live outside of Bend, Oregon, where average snow is only 30 inches per year and typical snows are 2-8 inches and can be both wet and heavy as well as dry and light. We moved here from Colorado (where believe it or not we didn’t have a snow blower) last winter, when they experienced record snowfall of over 100 inches for the year and you could get 12-18 inches at a time. The bulk of the winter there was 3 or 4 feet of snow on the ground.

Here is our situation. We moved out here because my dad passed away earlier in the year and left my mom who is in her 80’s to care for a 160 acre farm. That said, our driveway is nearly two thirds of a mile long. We are not looking to clear all of that with a snow blower of course. What we are looking to clear is the area immediately around the house which includes some asphalt driveway, some gravel, some pave stone, and some brick paths. Area is mostly flat, although there is about a 1 to 2 % slope where the driveway wraps around the house. I would say all told I would like to keep roughly 300 x 12 feet of asphalt clear, 150 x 10 feet of gravel clear, and 100 feet of brick and paver sidewalks clear.

Here is the problem. I understand this isn’t realistic (nor ideal) but we don’t have much money in the budget for a snow blower, but last year trying to shovel all of the snow was a disaster. It was a full time job and ultimately a back breaker to say the least. I would like to get the best snow blower available for my situation (a large area to clear, without typically a huge amount of snow) and stay within a budget $1,000 or less. I understand ideally my job would require a much more expensive machine, but that quite frankly is just not in the cards. I don’t want to go another winter trying to shovel, but only have $1,000 to spend. I am more than happy to consider a variety of recommendations.

Thanks so much for all your do for your readers and your time and consideration on this.

Scott

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November 5, 2017

Paul

Hi Scott, For a large area to clear but having a very limited budget the Troy-Bilt Storm 2860 28-in Two-stage Push-button Electric Start Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower with Heated Handles and Headlight Model # 31AM6CP4711 at Lowes is one of the best choices out there.

It has a larger 28-inch cut. It will work on blacktop, gravel and pavers. It has the better MTD chute control and heated handgrips.

It does not have power steering but I don’t feel you need it with the airless tires. The tires have plenty of traction but are very easy to turn. My neighbor had to borrow the one I have here last winter because his old 26 inch MTD solid axle beater quit and he absolutely loved it! He used it on 2-8 inch snows and it did a great job.

Scott

Thanks Paul, I really appreciate the recommendation.

I really hadn’t considered the Troy-Bilt until you mentioned it and went out to Lowe’s tonight to take a look and it looked and felt pretty good.

A couple of follow up questions. When waiting for a response I did some more research on the Cub Cadet 2X 28HP. It is available direct from Cub Cadet for $999. I am a bit confused as your response to Robert seems to indicate you aren’t a huge fan of the Cub Cadet, yet your response to David seems to recommend it.

If you were buying a machine for yourself given my situation, which of the two (Storm 2860 vs 2X 28HP) would you buy?

When I read back my initial response, I can see I wrote too much and was not very clear. It was here in Bend (not in Colorado) where last year we could get snows of 12-18 inches and had over 100 inches for the year. Would that change your recommendation?

Also, when I clicked onto your link to Northern Tool, they had a Storm Model 31AH5DP5766, which appears to be the same as the 2860, just with a 30 inch width, bigger engine and air tires. With their current promotions final cost on that machine is $949. Given that, would you recommend I spend the extra $50 and just get this? Are there other aspects of this machine that are worse (or better) I should be taking into account.

Lastly, I know at one point I thought I read where you get credit (albeit very small) for us to buy through the links you provide. I would of course like to support you and supplement your income given all the help you provide your readers, but you didn’t provide a link for the Storm at the Lowe’s. Do you not get credit if purchased through them?

Thanks Again, it is really appreciated!

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November 10, 2017

Paul

HI Scott, Even though there are about 140 good snow blowers on the market most readers want me to only suggest 1 or 2 machines. I based my suggestion for you on Max $1000, Bend, Oregan average snowfall 30 inches per year, and a huge area to clear. The Troy-Bilt is a good choice because it is well below the $1000, can handle 60 inches or so a year well and the heated hand grips are nice for the long time you will spend out clearing the snow.

When making suggestions I classify residential 2-stage snow blowers into two basic types. 60 inches or less average snow and high capacity.

There are many snow blowers that work well for 60 inches or less. Ariens Classic and Compact. 2-stage Craftsman, Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet. Toro Power Max, Briggs & Stratton and Husqvarna 200 series. Many of these will clog on heavy, wet snows deeper than 12 inches or so. These snow blowers are all good choices for about 80% of the people in the U.S. who get snow.

The Ariens Deluxe series falls in between. High capacity, doesn’t clog but average power. The Cub Cadet 3X and 3X HP also fall here. High power but average capacity.

The field gets smaller for areas that get 60 inches or more and/or heavy wet snow. These snow blowers are all over $1000.

With that machine information I use the following criteria to pick a good snow blower for you:

Area to clear helps me with the size, special circumstances like a wall on one side of the drive helps determine if you need a high capacity machine, the average amount and type of snow, and a bunch of other criteria including if your 125 lb spouse needs to use it. For example, Boston only gets 40 inches on average but they regularly get 20-24 inches of heavy, wet snow at a time so they need a high capacity machine. Lake Tahoe area on the other hand, with their 200 inches plus, requires a heavy duty, high capacity, high powered machine.

Now on to your questions.

My comment to Robert was not about the Cub Cadet being bad. The dealer was knocking the Ariens because of a bias, a profit margin, a personal preference or just didn’t know his products well. There are too many salespeople out there who sell what they know instead of offering you the best snow blower for you. It really irritates me when they knock another brand down because of that.

Yes, the new 2107 Cub Cadet is a good alternative to the Troy-Bilt 2860. It has power steering. The 2X 28 HP is available through your local Cub Cadet dealer or you can pick one up at your nearest Tractor Supply. Your nearest Tractor Supply is 161 miles away. Home Depot does not carry that model yet. They still have some older 2X 528 SWE models to sell.

The Storm Model 31AH5DP5766 is a good choice for your area and what you need to clear. It has power steering which is needed for a 30 inch. It’s a very good value with the sale and gift card. It won’t be as fast as a high capacity snow blower (($1500+) but it will handle the 12-18 inch snows. It will handle those snow as well as the 2860. I have the XP version here (electric chute) and the only real complaint is the impeller/chute area will clog on really wet, sloppy snow. When the snow is that wet, just use the blower like a snow plow and push the snow off the drive 🙂 It is a perfect fit for a larger driveway in my area.

Scott

I hate to do this to you Paul since you have helped me out so much already and I know you are very busy this time of year.

As you can tell, I think a little too much and have paralysis by analysis.

I was all ready to pull the trigger on the Troy-Bilt you recommended, but of course continued to do research.

My whole life I have always believed that there is value in paying more in order to get a higher quality product.

I think I was short sighted in trying to stay under $1,000. That was my mom’s budget and I was trying to stay within that, but since I am doing all the work, I decided I would be willing to pay more out of my pocket to get a better machine for my circumstance and one where by paying a little more I would get a machine that could not only perform the job better, but could also save me some time as well as effort by making the job easier for me, and give me years of dependable service. There is value in that and I am willing to pay for that.

If I am spending more, dependability and durability have extreme importance.

In reading all your replies I know you really like the Ariens and Toro’s. Given my uneven surface areas, I just don’t think the auto-steer on the Ariens is going to work.

I am happy to stick with the Storm 2860 if you still believe that to be the best option, but I am also looking at the Storm 3090 and the Arctic Storm 30. If memory serves somewhere in among all your postings you didn’t recommend the 3090XP.

Of course, now that the budget has been raised, I am also open to other suggestions you may make outside of the Troy-Bilt brand if you feel it is better for me and more dependable and durable.

One last additional question, I notice that the Arctic Storm has what I would call 4 Auger Blades while the 3090 has 6. All other things being equal (in this case a 357cc engine in both) what is more effective in removing snow, and if one is more effective at removing, is it more likely to plug up?

Again, thanks in advance for all your help!

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Scott

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November 21, 2017

Paul

Hi Scott, the 3090 XP does not like the heavy, wet snow you can get. The extra auger flights don’t help the snow blower move more snow, in fact, they will plug fully on wet snow. Trust me, its a pain to clean out when it plugs like that.

The Arctic Storm’s flight are larger and being spaced father apart won’t plug. The Arctic Storm will also throw the snow farther so you won’t get huge banks alongside your driveway if you get another 100-inch year.

The Storm 2860 is just a nice lightweight machine. The airless tires make it easy to use. The Arctic Storm has a lot more capacity but that also makes it a much heavier machine to operate. Yes, the power steering, electric chute, and hand warmers are nice. I don’t have a problem recommending either one to you. So, go with your gut feeling and be happy with the one you buy.

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November 22, 2017

David

Hi Paul,

I’ve been waiting for the Cub Cadet review, can’t wait to read it. I live in Long Island, NY.

Currently, I am looking at either the Craftsman 88694, which is a 26″ snowblower or the new 2017 Cub Cadet 2×26. I’m not sure if this new model is the one currently sold at Home Depot or not.

As I said, I’ve been waiting for this review and hopefully the Cub is a good machine. What I like about it over the Craftsman is that there are headlights on the unit, a bigger engine, even though it probably won’t be as quiet as the Craftsman and I believe the engine of the Cub is made in the USA. I know they are both good machines, but I’m looking for the best machine in this price range of about $900 or so.

Based on your knowledge/expertise , which machine would you go for? Is there another machine you might go for?

BTW, Your website has great information and is an awesome resource!

Thank you

David

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November 2, 2017

Paul

There is a lot to like about this new Cub Cadet and it is a great choice for Long Island. I really like the new chute controls and the dash with 2 headlights. One feature most people miss is it now has taller tires so it will have better traction and the handles will be just a little taller than the older models (like the Craftsman). Power steering, metal chute, long lasting skid shoes make this a great snow blower for the price.

By the way, ALL snow blower engines except one 179cc Honda are made overseas. This engine is quieter than the 2015 and older Cub Cadets and most people will not be able to hear the difference between it and the Craftsman Quiet Engines.

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November 3, 2017

David

Hi Paul,

Thank you for the review. I was leaning toward the Cadet, now I’m glad I waited for your information.

Thanks again and GREAT website!

Regards,

David

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November 3, 2017

I'll be glad you help you find the best snow blower. Please tell me the city, state and how large an area you want to clear. Cancel reply